Whether he is running for the Chargers this season remains to be seen, but it seems likely that the team will keep their backfield insurance policy another year.

Chargers coach Norv Turner appreciates what Bennett brings. If LaDainian Tomlinson were to go down, backup Darren Sproles is not the typical every-down running back, and Gartrell Johnson is a rookie. Bennett, acquired on waivers last November, could be a luxury the Chargers can afford, depending on how the rest of the roster numbers shake out in the beginning of September.

That Bennett retains a surprising amount of his quickness is apparent in the first four days of training camp.

“Over the last four years I haven't had to carry a load, so my body is still young,” said Bennett, who will be 31 this month and is entering his ninth NFL season.

Inactive all seven regular-season games he was a Charger in 2008 and called on to run just four times in the playoffs, Bennett knows he would have made a bigger splash in Denver, which was the other NFL team to put a waiver claim in on him. But he's a Charger and wants to remain one.

“I probably could have played more (in Denver),” Bennett said. “But to come here and be on this team and be around this chemistry, you don't see that a lot.”

Bennett was a Pro Bowler in 2002 with the Minnesota Vikings. Injuries and different situations on the teams he has been on have limited him to 109 carries for 478 yards over the past four seasons.

Lights off

Shawne Merriman took his first practice off after eight straight practices, including two two-a-days.

“We have a schedule for Shawne,” Turner said. “This is planned out.”

The plan is designed to maximize Merriman's down time as he comes back from major knee surgery less than 11 months ago. He practiced Monday afternoon and will work in the Chargers' only practice Tuesday.

First-round pick Larry English took Merriman's morning reps with the first team.

“I think that's going to help get me ready,” English said.

Buster down

Buster Davis' streak of consecutive practices has been stopped at eight.

The oft-injured receiver has, in Turner's words, “a really tight quad.” It seems Davis is on a sort of merry-go-round he can't get off, because it takes time on the field playing football to be in football shape.

“Unfortunately,” Turner said, “when you're rehabbing and not able to be on the field, you're not able to be in the same condition other guys are.”

Nuts 'n' Bolts

One of the most impressive players the past two days, since the Chargers started practicing in pads, has been rookie running back Gartrell Johnson.

He has certainly taken his licks, and he has been impressive doing so. Said Johnson: “I love it, baby. That's my M.O.”

Matt Wilhelm, released by the Chargers prior to camp, has agreed to a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles.